Leicester Fisheagle

Has the Shambles lost some of its glory? We headed down to the Shambles from Cobbs around 7.15 am. on one of our annual pilgrimages. Departure was a little later than anticipated due to a few hiccups and an iced up boat and slippy pontoons. As high water on the Shambles was 8 am. We had a little bit of tide against us and conditions were relatively calm. Our average speed was around 18 knots. Spoke to Doombar and Bobblin 3 several times during the day ( Buddy Boats). On our arrival at the East Shambles Buoy, we joined the flotilla of some 22 other boats. Our attempts to catch Mackeral and Launce resulted in one Mackeral so mainly frozen baits were used. We had seen Mackeral earlier in the day on the way down not far from Dancing Ledge. They were skillfully being chased by Puffins. Around half the birds were diving to chase the fish to the surface, while the remainder of the flock were scooping them up. Great teamwork. I would have loved to get a picture but they would not let us get near and the shoal of fish was darting in all directions. The weather during the day was quite chilly and, at times, the water was a murky grey. In total we caught four Turbot. Three keepers and one returned. The largest was just under 5lbs. so nothing exceptional. However, as they say, fishing is not always about catching fish. There seemed to be very few fish about and most boats were hammering a small area. For those who are interested, three of us used "bling boom" rigs while Ray Ashby ( ex England and former Boat Team Manager) used a simple single flowing 5 ft trace baited with a thin sliver of Mackeral as a Launce look alike nailed to the bottom. This caught him one fish. No real conclusions here. I had two fish on bling booms, Mike Hall had one and our other Club Member, who will remain anonymous, blanked. We left early in the afternoon after a couple of hours of the flood as we were catching nothing. We then headed some twelve miles to Kimmeridge having first checked with the Lulworth Range Safety Boat before entering the restricted Firing Range Area on Ch 16 and then Ch 10. Fortunately, the Bream were more cooperative than the Turbot. Fuel wise (there were no unforseen circumstances and the weather and tides were favourable). Hooky on Doombar, a Wilson Flyer with two on board with a new FStroke 115 Mercury used under 70 litres. Fisheagle, Merry Fisher 755 Marlin with four on board and quite heavily loaded used around 170 litres with a Suzuki 200 V6. The total distance for Fisheagle was around 90 miles. A bit less than anticipated as we did not stay for the whole afternoon. So saved on going back up drifts and wind and tides were favourable both ways.

No, at Kimmeridge. Go past Old Harry then past Peveril continue past St Albans. Probably better to go with another Club Boat who knows the tides and likely effect of weather conditions as some of the Headlands can really rough up. I have had to turn back or leave early due to inaccurate forecasts. If you go there, it is about 12 miles from the Shambles Buoy. Go a short distance past St Albans and before Kimmeridge. If you go just past Kimmeridge you need to be aware of the Firing Range and the times when they operate. You can phone or contact them at Range Control on Ch 16 or 10.

Ditto.

It weighed 15 or 16 lbs. That was a few years ago when there were more big ones about. We will be taking an extra 25 litres for Hooky plus a manual transfer pump. Sorry Rag Doll cannot make this one, perhaps next time.

Looks like a 16.5 lbs caught on Fisheagle on a borrowed rig?

Looks like we could have four boats.

Darn, was hoping to catch up with Bobblin on the species hunt.

Hi Martin, your figures are bang on. Fishing either side of slack, moving for the Plaice and drifting gave me about 110 miles last time. We should get some assistance from the tide both ways on Tuesday Fisheagle will have about 80 litres to spare unless there are unforseen problems or someone needs a tow. I would suggest that Rag Doll should be ok but could be pushing it if there are any problems, don't know other variables like how many on board, weight carried etc. Personally, I would like to know my boats fuel consumption before going all that way. I am sure other members will be heading down in the future.

Hoping to head out on the 7.30 am. Bridge if the weather holds. Anybody fancy being a buddy boat going down to the Shambles?

Wash and dry your reels after each trip. The picture below shows three reel parts from two different anglers. Corrosion on an Abu 650 Multiplier. A pitted handle from a Penn Surf Blaster fixed spool which it was impossible to take out as it had welded itself to the internal drive wheel. It had to be cut off to access the reel internals. Thirdly, badly corroded chrome on an old Penn Multiplier. All three were put unwashed into sheds before Covid restrictions. A little bit of Corrosion Block or similar ( cover the line/spool with masking tape) and regular servicing would help prevent this.

Belated Happy Birthday Jacob. Hope you had a good one.

Happy Birthday Tony. Hope you had a good one.

Liked the report. Could be a photo of the month hidden in there.

Shimano Calcutta 700. We do like a challenge.

Good luck. Lots of Ray nets last week on the 5/6 mile area. Trawler spotted yesterday off Boscombe

M.A.R.S. is a new local Reel Service. (Mike and Allan's Reel Services) for Penn, Shimano, Diawa and Abu Reels. Other makes by prior arrangement. We are are currently operating locally with drop off and pick up points in Poole, Ashley Road/ Sea View and Mooredown areas. Postal drop off by prior arrangement. Prices start from £21.50p for smaller single speed multipliers and fixed spool reels for a service. Any parts are extra, as is any return postage and insurance. Postal return by prior arrangement only. A proforma will shortly be available from our drop off points. Please let us have your contact details and and list any known problems with your reel. We will do our best to provide an accurate estimate of any costs above the basic service price once we have examined the reel. We will do this either by phone or text. If we cannot repair a reel for any reason, we will contact you to discuss options. Any postal charges and insurance will be at the owners expense. Currently, parts for several major reel brands are in short supply. This applies in particular to Penn Fixed Spools and some of their mid range multipliers. So please contact us prior to dropping off or sending us your reel. We have a good range of normal service parts and have the full range of Rocket Fuels, Cal's Reel Grease, special grease for Carbon Tec clutch plates, Penn Oil, Pen Grease and Corrosion Guard and other lubricants. Please let us know if you have any special requirements. Please feel free to ring for a chat to discuss your needs or leave us a message. Tel.07587411313. Or 07758356474. Email M.A.ReelServices@gmail.com

Think the fish were on tranquillizers yesterday. Or maybe they are still in lockdown and isolating.

Fisheagle will be out in the Bay trying to catch a few. As always, on Ch 6 and 16.

Many tthanks Newboy. I will give you a ring or pm. later today or Monday evening as I am not really supposed to use the Forum to arrange business.

Welcome to the Club and Cobbs. My boat Fisheagle is on F74 if you are passing. As always on Ch 6.

I have added more information in the Members Trade Zone.

No problem over postage for Club Members. If you email Mike, he will arrange an address for you to send them to. It would help to know what reels they are and any known problems before hand. Spare parts for a number of reels, especially those made in the States by Penn and others, are not being posted across from there. We carry a good range of service parts for the more popular reels.

Well, as a few Members already know, Mike Hall and Myself will be continuing the work of Dave Lyne's Reel Service under a new name, M.A.R.S. Mike and Allan's Reel Services. Due to the current Covid situation, the service will operate mainly at a local level. There will initially be drop off and collection points in Poole, Ashley Road/Sea View Area and Moordown. Please feel free to contact us on 07587411313 or email M.A.ReelServices@gmail.com further more detailled information will soon be available in the Member's Trade Zone.

Both days could be ok. Big tides, anyone out?